Poor posture results from reoccurring lifestyle habits over time and can prove difficult to break. Physical therapists are here to help when the effects of incorrect posture begin to cause chronic pain and discomfort.

What are various types of bad posture?

Many of the chronic aches and pains felt by people can be attributed to poor posture while sitting, standing, and walking. Poor posture place pressure on the spine, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments that are designed to support the body. It can spark pain from pinched, crushed, or otherwise damaged nerves. Below are a few types of different types of bad posture that are common.

Slouching

Slouching is easily one of the most common poor posture techniques most people are guilty of falling into at least occasionally. Proper standing and walking posture should have your thumbs facing forward, and the palms turned towards the body. Any other position suggests a slouch.

Forward Lean

Leaning towards the table, a computer, or your smartphone while sitting is considered poor posture.

Incorrect Seating

Placing the buttocks to close to the edge of a chair, or too far back is what produces an uncomfortable lean and pressure on the spine.

Knee Placement

Proper placement of the knees when sitting can reduce back and hip strain. Your feet should be flat on the ground and the knees slightly above the level plane of the thigh for correct positioning and posture.

What are the long term effects of bad posture?

Continuous use of poor posture will catch up over time. You will begin to feel increasing amounts of pain when at rest, or in motion due to stress on joints, spine, and the entire body-support system. A few bad posture side effects are

Lower back pain
Hip and leg pain
Shoulder and neck pain
Headaches
Acid reflux
Muscle tingling and weakness, and more
How to Fix Bad Posture

Fixing poor posture is a matter of staying aware of how you are sitting, standing, and walking on a daily basis. Catching and correcting poor posture behaviors is the ultimate solution. Stand with your chest outward and shoulders straight. Stretch your spine every time you get up. Use proper pillow support under your head and neck. Another way to improve your posture is to strengthen core muscles and increase your flexibility.

Participate In Our Free Workshop!

We would like to invite you to come to our free workshops that discuss the causes and treatment methods available for back pain. It will be a one-of-a-kind learning experience in how to live pain-free. Contact us at New Heights Therapy to find out more about treatment options for pain resulting from chronic poor posture. We are available to help you in both Portland OR and Vancouver WA.